Jesus enters the garden of Gethsemane knowing the suffering that awaits him. In Mark 14:32–52, we see the contrast between the disciples’ weakness and Jesus’ perfect obedience as he surrenders his will to the Father. His “yes” to the Father becomes our hope and salvation.

In Mark 14:12–31, Jesus reveals that the cross is not a tragedy outside God’s control, but the sovereign fulfillment of his saving plan. As Jesus establishes the Lord’s Supper and foretells the disciples’ failure, we see our weakness contrasted with the faithfulness of our strong Savior.

In Mark 14:1–11, we see a striking contrast between betrayal and devotion. Judas was close to Jesus, yet betrayed him, while an unnamed woman poured out a costly and extravagant gift in worship. What makes her devotion so beautiful? She understood that Jesus was going to the cross to die for her. Her costly gift was a response to his even greater gift of himself. We live for him because he died for us.